Supporting link for well-working tools



Feb. 4, 1930. F. E.' CROTTO SUPPORTING LINK FOR WELL'WORKING TOOLS Filed Jan. 17, 1927'.

Patented Feb. 4, 1930 UNIED TATES PATENT OFFICE FRANK E. OROTTO, OF TULSA, OKLAHOMA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTERN SUPPLY COMPANY,

OF TULSA, OKLAHOMA, A CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA SUPPORTING LINK non WELL-WORKING rooLs Application filed January 17, 1927. Serial no. 161,629.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in supporting llnks for well working tools.

The object of the invention is to provide a weldless link particularly designed for connecting well working parts and undergoing a great load without rupturing or breaking.

Another object of the invention is to provide an integral link free from seams or welds and having eyes at each end separated by a short stout shank.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an integral link with eyes at each end and shaped to obviate the useless and obstructive portions of the eyes.

A further object of the invention is to elongate the eyes, whereby the link may be more freely manipulated with respect to the elements engaged in said eyes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a link which is bowed longitudinally, thus tending to straighten under an abnormal load, thereby preventing breaking and lending resiliency to the link. A still further object of the invention is provide a link'which when connecting two members under a load, will not foul when the load is taken oif one of the members.

Other advantageous features of the invention will be hereinafter more particular,

ly pointed out anddescribed in detail.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawing in which an example of the inv vention is illustrated and wherein:

Q clamp and a temper screw connected by a link embodying my invention and with the screw swung to one side and the links slack.

In using the link in connection with a wire line clamp for drilling cable, a pair of" links are employed. The links are mounted so as to bow outwardly on each side of the swivel of the temper screw. This arrangement has several advantages. First, it prevents the A 50 link interfering with the temper screw, and,

second, the bowed shape lends to the resiliency of the link under a load because said link tends to straighten and elongate. Also the tendency to rupture is offset by the tendency of the link to straighten.

However, the strength of the link is largely the result of its manner of formation. In producing the link, it may be drop-forged, cast, or formed in any other suitable manner provided it is not welded. WVhere it is drop forged, very satisfactory results have been obtained by subjecting the ends of a metal blank to the action of dies, whereby the eyes are formed. The finishing may be carried out in any suitable manner. The advantage of this is that the eyes are made continuous and the grain of the metal is not broken. It will be seen that an undue strain on the link would tend to elongate it, because in its formation, as described, it is shortened. While the bowed shape is not absolutely necessary, it adds much to the success of the link.

In Figs. 3 to 5 is shown another form of the invention. The link body has elliptical eyes 11 at each end connected by a short stout shank 12'. The eyes are offset on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis of the link and the link is bowed longitudinally, as is best shown in Fig. 2.

It will be noted that each eye has one substantially straight side 15 and one curved side 16, the straight side being contiguous to the longitudinal axis and the curved side being outermost. This structure has the advantage of reducing the width of the link as well as providing the straight sides which aid in preventing fouling of the links when the temper screw (Fig. 3) is lowered and the links slackened. The elimination of surplus projections is important as a non-fouling as well as an economical manufacturing feature. By

reason of the longitudinal bow, the link is given resiliency and if subjected to an abnormal load, will tend to straighten, thus absorb shock and avoid a break or rupture. Each eye is elongated and is thus given sufficient length to permit the elements to move freely longitudinally thereof. v

The straight sides 15 of the eyes being alined with the longitudinal axis of the link provide a tension member co-incident with The link, Which carries the strain in a direct This application is filed as a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 25,511, filed April 24, 1925.

Various changes and alterations in the size and shape of the link, together with modifications, may be made Within the scope ofthe appended claims.

WVhat I claim is:

1. A supporting link comprising a central solid body having oppositely extending straight Walls merging into spaced curved outer Walls joining said body to form eyes at each end ofl'set on opposite sides beyond thev longitudinal axis of the body, each eye having .a straight side Wall parallel to said axis and an opposite curved side Wall entirely at one side of said axis.

2. A supporting link comprising a central solid body having oppositely extending straight Walls merging into spaced curved outer Walls joining said body to form eyes at each end offset on opposite sides beyond the longitudinal 'axis of the body, each eye having a straight side Wall parallel to said axis and an opposite curved side Wall entirely at one side of said axis, and free ends of said body being bent in the same direction from the center of the link and transversely of said axis.

' In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

FRANK E. CROTTO. 

